I am curious to if this is a lifetime issue or if a hourse can be cured of this? I am looking at a hourse and I was told she is foundered. She also has had two colts. I am curiouse to possible health problems. She is also 20 years old. Thanks for any and all help.

goneriding

07-15-2012 03:25 PM

Have exrays done to see if any rotation of the coffin bone has occurred and if so, how much. If they founder they can be more prone to founder again. But it can be managed.

Linzie

07-15-2012 03:28 PM

I was offered this horse free of charge. I know she isn't really free because of the cost involved. I am afraid to take her now due to the things I have read.

LizzieE

07-15-2012 05:20 PM

Laminitis can be a tricky one. I agree with goneriding. Definitely have x-rays done. I am a strong believer in vet checks before taking on owenership of any horse, even if they seem perfectly healthy. You will definitely need to be watching what you feed if you take on this horse. Maybe have your vet help you come up with a plan. You will also not want to be doing heavy work with her because of the founder, even if the coffin bone hasn't moved far, soundness will probably also be a concern.

Linzie

07-15-2012 05:37 PM

She will be boarded in the same place that she is currently at. They do all the feeding. My husband and I were talking about having a vet check on any horse we do get.

NorthernMama

07-15-2012 06:37 PM

Did she founder where she is now? If so, then if you take her and keep her at the same place would be a bad idea.

If the rotation is not severe, founder can indeed be corrected, but it can take 1 - 2 years. In my mind, if the coffin bone can move into the wrong position, then it can move, period. That means it can move back, baring other limiting physical damage. The issue for me would be to find out why she foundered. Was it feed? Was it improper hoof care? Was it an illness? Was it due to an injury? Was it due to pregnancy? Honest answers to these questions, if you can get them, will go a long way towards preparing for the future.

Linzie

07-16-2012 08:26 AM

NorthernMama It probably was her two pregnancies that caused it. I will ask more questions when I go out there today. Are there any other questions you would ask before getting a horse?Posted via Mobile Device

CLaPorte432

07-16-2012 08:31 AM

932 Attachment(s)

Why she is free would be my first question...

Its very easy to pawn a un-usuable horse on an innocent, good-hearted person. Be careful.Posted via Mobile Device

Linzie

07-16-2012 08:46 AM

The reason that I understand she is free for is because she can't handle more vet bills if something would happen.Posted via Mobile Device

NorthernMama

07-16-2012 04:02 PM

Take another horse knowledgeable person with you. Take pictures. Take a video. Take pics of her teeth. Take pics of her feet.

You can ask whatever questions you like, but you may not get accurate answers. Sometimes people don't know, sometimes people won't tell.

What do you want to do with this horse? If she's going to be a pet, that's fine. Anything else, you need to get those x-rays, line up a good farrier/trimmer and vet and sit down with them for a discussion.

How long have they had her? What are her two worst training/behavior faults? If they say she doesn't have any, don't believe it. Can they show you vet bills for the past 2 years?

Other questions depend on what you want to do with her. If she is able to be ground worked, then do so, but if she is currently in pain, then she will have difficulty. I doubt you can ride her.

After you see her, come back to us and let's see what we've got. I took in a lame mare about 7 years ago. I wanted her to be a companion to my other horse. The other horse is now gone, as are two others since. The "lame companion" came out sound and is the only horse I now have. I ride her all the time and am going in an endurance ride this fall with her. So you just never know.